Addressing Tariffs and Trade in Energy Storage
Tariffs on Chinese-origin lithium-ion non-EV batteries are scheduled to increase to 25% effective January 1, 2026. Otherwise,
Recent trade actions have introduced significant battery tariffs on goods imported from China. These changes include duties as high as 104% on some clean energy components, including lithium-ion batteries, critical for energy storage and EV systems. According to U.S. import data, lithium battery shipments from China reached $1.9 billion in 2024.
Mitigating tariff risk in battery energy storage system (BESS) projects is crucial for ensuring project financial viability, as tariff changes can significantly affect cost structures and overall project economics.
These components are now subject to cumulative tariffs, increasing manufacturing costs for domestic OEMs. In consumer electronics, previously exempt battery shipments valued under $800 are now included in the tariff structure following the policy change. This shift has affected U.S. handheld device batteries and backup battery unit importers.
Tariffs apply to finished batteries and upstream materials like cathodes, separators, and electrolytes. Although assembled in the U.S., products such as Tesla Powerwalls and Megapacks include imported components that now cost more due to the new tariff structure.
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